About
Company History
The history of Control Engineering begins with our founder, Tom Serrao. Tom began his career working with vacuum tube circuits in the audio industry, then as technology advanced with TTL and CMOS circuitry, so did his engineering skills. When microprocessors became reliable, he utilized those; designing, among other things, building control systems and test equipment that would analyze and diagnose system problems and component failure on IBM computers. In the 1990’s he developed state-of-the-art video transmission systems to transmit and receive live video feed for neurosurgeons from NYU to Mayo Clinic. He gained valuable expertise in electronics working with T1 Systems in the telecommunications industry, but his work with ZF Mathers Controls, often finding himself on whale watch tour boats off the coast of New England, provided him with and in-depth knowledge of marine electronics and controls.
In 1996, he was approached by The Hinckley Company to engineer and build a joystick control docking system for their renowned Picnic Boat™. Within one year, Tom invented the Jetstick™, bringing owner, Shepard McKenney’s vision to life. A few years later, he developed the Control Stick™, our proprietary marine joystick control system, and we began building them here in our Maine factory. Our goal is to provide the highest quality product and service in the industry, and for over 25 years we have meticulously constructed control systems which are in use for private yachts and commercial vessels all over the globe. We’re proud of our heritage and the outstanding reputation we have earned in the boating industry.
Our Management Team
With a wealth of experience spanning more than three decades, Tom has established himself as a sought-after consultant for boat builders, boat owners, and jet manufacturers. His extensive knowledge of the boating industry, coupled with a profound understanding of jet and water propulsion systems, allows him to offer expert advice and swiftly identify and resolve system issues.
Tom Serrao
Founder and Chief EngineerWith a wealth of experience spanning more than three decades, Tom has established himself as a sought-after consultant for boat builders, boat owners, and jet manufacturers. His extensive knowledge of the boating industry, coupled with a profound understanding of jet and water propulsion systems, allows him to offer expert advice and swiftly identify and resolve system issues.
Catherine is an accomplished professional who has contributed significantly to the company’s success for over 30 years. She has held a variety of key positions, showcasing her versatility in roles encompassing customer service, finance and human resources. Her career is a testament to her ability to excel in diverse areas of management, making her a respected leader with a proven track record of delivering results.
Catherine Serrao
President and CFOCatherine is an accomplished professional who has contributed significantly to the company’s success for over 30 years. She has held a variety of key positions, showcasing her versatility in roles encompassing customer service, finance and human resources. Her career is a testament to her ability to excel in diverse areas of management, making her a respected leader with a proven track record of delivering results.
Amanda started working with electronics at a young age alongside Tom Serrao. Along with her experience with electronics, Amanda’s innate attention to detail is her hallmark, ensuring each product leaving our factory is nothing short of perfection. Her unwavering commitment to product quality and precision is a cornerstone of our team’s success.
Amanda Marean
Product Development Director and Quality Assurance SpecialistAmanda started working with electronics at a young age alongside Tom Serrao. Along with her experience with electronics, Amanda’s innate attention to detail is her hallmark, ensuring each product leaving our factory is nothing short of perfection. Her unwavering commitment to product quality and precision is a cornerstone of our team’s success.
Chris Marean, assuming the roles of Chief Operations Officer and Director of Marketing at Control Engineering since 2023, is a seasoned professional with expertise in orchestrating daily business operations and crafting and executing the company’s business plan. His versatile experience and commitment to excellence make him an indispensable asset to the Control Engineering team.
Christopher Marean
Chief Operations Officer and Director of MarketingChris Marean, assuming the roles of Chief Operations Officer and Director of Marketing at Control Engineering since 2023, is a seasoned professional with expertise in orchestrating daily business operations and crafting and executing the company’s business plan. His versatile experience and commitment to excellence make him an indispensable asset to the Control Engineering team.
